Prayer

Joy Divine,

Being made in your image and likeness means we have a natural desire to find our way back to you. Thank you for accepting and loving us just as we are, and for inviting us to share in the joy you have possessed from eternity and that you sent into the world through your son, Jesus. On this third Sunday of Advent, we meditate gratefully on the depth of this joy, and we commit to make room for more of your joy in our souls. For the life of the world, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

Love Divine,

Fill us with more of your love today, so that when we look at the world and the people that fill it, we will be filled all the more, with gladness for the blessings that we share together. Deliver us from envy, so that we may share our gifts collaboratively and work as one, serving the common good and building one another up through sincere, fraternal love. For sisters and brothers near and far, encourage us to look at the world through the telescoping lens of love. Amen.

Prayer

Always kind God,

As we reflect upon the power of kindness today, we stop and give thanks for the many ways you reveal your kindness to us. Give us strength to be kind to others authentically, in ways that express our deepest convictions: genuine kindness has power to transform and beautify souls, to turn hearts and minds towards one another, to renew the bonds of our kinship together and before you. And so as we continue to serve those who are at their most vulnerable today, we invite you to infuse our ministry with kindness, especially towards those who are poor, dying, and underserved. Amen.

Prayer

Creator God,

Your goodness in creation is manifest in so many ways! In the diversity of creatures and the harmony you have established between them. In the wonderful variety of life’s abundance and the intricate cycles that sustain the living web of which we are a part. Inspire us today, to live and work in a more harmonious relationship with nature, rather than ignore or reject creation’s good designs. As a ministry united, let our daily operations as much as our large-scale goals reflect this same commitment, to live in harmony with nature and to promote the common good. Amen.

Prayer

Loving God,

Our eyes are not like yours. For you see us just as we are and somehow you love us, without exception. Yet so often we see each other and somehow allow distortions of bias and prejudice to lead us to look for the worst in each other. Heal us of such wayward looking, that we might see what you see in each one of our brothers and sisters. May we commit this day to look for the best in each other and to show our respect for the infinite gift of each life before us. Especially for those who cannot see it in themselves, may we show our admiration for the dignity we share together, as those made in your image. Amen.

Prayer

God of hope,

Today your Church takes time to remember and celebrate Mary’s miraculous appearances to St. Juan Diego in Mexico. Humbly we ask for a greater share in Mary’s spirit, that we might be bolder and fearless in receiving and embodying your word in our lives and ministry. May our work together reflect a shared sense of hope for what you are continuing to do among us and through us in our neighborhoods and communities. As we recall your mighty deeds through so many servants devoted to your word, we pray. Amen.

Prayer

God with us,

For all those who are actively serving our patients and neighbors and families today, we ask you to bless them with vision. Open the eyes of their hearts that they might behold your very own presence dwelling among them. In frailty and weakness especially, let your nearness inspire all our associates to extend your compassion and show others mercy. Bless each one of us today with vision to see you in this one human family. Amen.